Paloma stood in front of the familiar, gray apartment door that brought back a plethora of memories, her eyes scanning the entirety of it as she stalled. Although she wanted to tap her knuckles across the opening, she had to admit, a part of her was frightened beyond belief.

She had been over Ava's house a million times, but this time was different. All those other times they had a relationship. They were mere acquaintances, then their bond blossomed into a friendship, before finally evolving into a romantic relationship, however, now Paloma had no idea what to make of their relationship. But most of all, she feared they didn't have one at all.

She swallowed thickly and dispersed the thoughts that made her feel as though she was drowning just before taking the plunge and knocking on the door.

The brunette extended her fingers in attempts to shake the nerves out of her bones once she heard approaching footsteps. After a moment, the door whipped open, Ava's dark red hair spilled over her shoulders as a sudden surge of wind entered the home.

Paloma grimaced once the other woman eyed her carefully. She half expected Ava to slam the door in her face, yell at her, or maybe even throw a few choice unholy words her way, but once the redhead granted Paloma one of her sincere smiles, she simply didn't know what to make of the situation.

Ava released her grip on the doorknob and made her way back into the living room as she spoke over her shoulder, "Come on in."

Paloma furrowed her dark eyebrows, but she knew better than to object. She didn't understand the woman's nonchalant demeanor, however, she didn't question it either.

She stepped inside, closing the door behind her. Her eyes surveyed the area, the living room was neat, the kitchen pristine, not a beer bottle, Ben & Jerry's container, or leftover pizza, that Paloma knew Ava typically used as depression alleviators, in sight.

The redhead took a seat on the couch while Paloma tucked her hands into her pockets and exhaled a small sigh before trapping her bottom lip between her teeth. Her gaze darted down to Ava's once the redhead patted the cushion beside her and produced a giggle.

"Are you gonna sit down or just stare mindlessly around my apartment all day?" Ava snickered.

Paloma simply granted the woman a nod and heeded her request by occupying the spot next to her.

Ava ran her fingers through her hair and smiled, "So, what's up?"

The brunette frowned slightly. "Nothing much, I just wanted to come and see you. Honestly...I didn't think you'd let me in."

Ava playfully rolled her eyes. "When have I not let you in? You're always welcome here."

Paloma smiled but wondered if the other woman could tell it was forced.

"I'm surprised you even came over," Ava admitted.

"Yeah, I know, I—."

"Leaving Quinn home alone, especially after what happened when Ross and his family were over. I thought you'd freak out, but you're taking it a hell of a lot better than I thought," she giggled.

"Well, she's not home actually."

"Oh, well, that makes more sense," Ava chuckled.

Paloma's lips parted as she searched for something to say. She couldn't surmise why Ava was beating around the bush so much, refusing to address the massive elephant in the room, instead bringing up a virtually meaningless topic, one that had nothing to do with the two of them or the situation that drove them apart.

She shook her head. "I thought you'd be mad at me."

Ava shrugged. "Nope, not anymore."

Paloma couldn't help but smirk, she slyly slid closer to the woman. "Really?"

"Really," she affirmed.

"Because...I know I've been kind of an asshole."

Ava laughed, the corners of her lips turned up as a result. "You're always an asshole. You've been an asshole for the last two and a half years I've known you."

Paloma scooted closer, leaving only a couple of inches between them. She allowed her hand to rest on Ava's leg, her lengthy eyelashes fluttering softly. "Yeah, but I'm pretty sure that's why you like me so much," she smirked.

Ava tensed slightly beneath her touch before emitting a quiet laugh, "Maybe."

Paloma took Ava's unguarded state to her advantage and leaned over, gently pulling them both into a deep kiss. She thanked God the redhead let her because even though it had only been a day since Ava left, Paloma not only craved her affection, but she desperately needed it.

She was just about to tangle her fingers in the woman's soft hair that always granted her a sense of serenity and familiarity when Ava suddenly pushed her away.

She recoiled her bottom lip into her mouth and once she tasted Paloma's familiar, sweet taste, she forced more space between them.

Paloma languidly fluttered her eyes open and studied the woman carefully. "What is it?" she whispered.

Ava slammed her eyes shut after she saw the glint of hurt in Paloma's pleading gaze. She matched the woman's quiet tone as she shook her head, "We can't."

"We're two consenting adults," Paloma chuckled. "I'm pretty sure we can."

Ava's response was quiet yet firm, "No."

Paloma reached over and took the woman's hand into her own. "I don't wanna break up."

The redhead gently detached their forcibly intertwined fingers and whispered, "We already have." Ava let out a soft sigh as she watched the disappointment surface on the other woman's face.

"I thought you said we were good," the brunette reminded. "I thought if I gave you some time—."

"We are good," Ava agreed. "We're good as friends. You told me that before and you were right."

Paloma's eyes widened at Ava's assertion, but despite the level of sincerity and seriousness laced in her words, Paloma closed the space between them once more. "Ava—."

As if on cue, the woman in question recoiled, scooting further away and making herself acquainted with the far end of the couch. "Stop."

Paloma swallowed thickly and prayed that her voice didn't come out as broken as she felt on the inside. "I don't get it. You kissed me back." She creased her brow at the sound of the light chuckle Ava produced.

"That's because I'm weak around you. I wanted you for so long, it's hard to just shut it off."

"So don't," came Paloma's swift plead.

Ava clenched her teeth. "I have to. It didn't work out between us, plain and simple. And...that's okay, but, I can't keep living in a fantasy land. I have to move on."

"I was wrong," the brunette admitted. "I love you."

Ava expunged a heavy breath and rose to her feet, Paloma mimicked her actions, staying right at her heels.

"I do," she repeated.

Ava immediately turned to face Paloma after the brunette spoke and it was in that moment that Paloma saw a hint of the anger she was expecting to see all along. "No, you don't. You're just scared."

The oldest Sullivan bit her lip and although a part of her felt that Ava's speculations were correct, she couldn't help but reach for her hand anyhow. "Ava, please—."

The redhead tore her hand from Paloma's firm grip. "Look, we can still be friends. You're my best friend. You've been my best friend for almost three years and that's not gonna change. I care about you, I always will. We can still hang out and have fun, but...we're not getting back together."

She pressed on after she realized Paloma was silenced by her words, "And...I don't think I can be alone with you for a while. Not right now at least, not for a little bit."

Paloma was finding it increasingly difficult to keep her tears at bay, but she promised herself she wouldn't cry and she was determined to keep that promise, even if it killed her. "So, now we can't even be friends?"

Ava frantically shook her head, "We can, it's just...I know we're not on the same page and I can't be alone with you because I have to be strong. You were right about me. For our entire relationship, I've pretty much been bullying you, forcing you to be with me. What I was doing...it wasn't right and I hope you can forgive me."

Paloma sighed, "Of course I forgive you, Ava. I'm not gonna throw what we have away over this, I really care about you." She gave the woman a small smile as she inched closer to her. "And you care about me too, right?"

After a moment, Ava finally responded, "Right."

The brunette produced a beaming expression once the woman's confession slithered into her ears. She snaked her hands around Ava's waist and pulled her closer, but as if on cue, the woman wiggled her way out of Paloma's arms and shook her head.

"This doesn't change anything," Ava asserted.

Paloma frowned and crossed her arms over her chest, the elated expression she once inhibited completely dispersed. "What do you mean?"

"What I said last night, it still stands. I wanna be with someone that wants to build a life with me. I don't always just wanna be someone's girlfriend. I want more, I want marriage, I want a family," Ava spoke gently, but her calm demeanor didn't soothe Paloma's frantic thoughts.

"And I can give you that, just—." Paloma took a breath before pressing on, "Just give me time. Okay? I just need time."

"No," Ava immediately challenged. "We both know that that day may never come and I already told you, I can't waste any more time on you. I care about you, but...that's not enough to salvage our relationship. We're done and I have I be firm in my decision because I know it's for the best."

Paloma tensed her jaw and nodded her head, "I'm gonna change your mind."

"No...you're not."

"Yes, I am," the brunette quickly declared.

"No," Ava demanded, her words filled with conviction. "What we are now...friends, this is where we stand. That's it, nothing else. And if you're gonna be in my life you have to understand that."

Paloma grinned, "You're stubborn but not as stubborn as I am."

Ava shook her head in annoyance, she was all too familiar with how bullheaded the other woman was. But, she also knew that her own decision was final.

Her serious demeanor relaxed ever so slightly once a thought popped into her head. "Oh yeah, while you're here..." she sauntered to the island bar and lifted the small, boxed item that was covered in bright pink wrapping paper.

"I know it's Quinn's birthday next Saturday, so I got the kid a present. Make sure you give her this along with a hug and kiss for me, alright?" She held out the gift to Paloma who shook her head in response.

"We're having a little get together at my place to celebrate, you can give it to her then."

Ava expunged a heavy sighed, "Paloma, I don't think that's such a good idea."

"Well, I guess she's not gonna get her present then," the brunette surmised.

Ava pressed the gift against the other writer. "Paloma, just take it."

Paloma merely shrugged and backed herself towards the front door. "Sorry."

"I'm not going."

"Sure...and I'm not gonna get you back," she smirked. "Let's pretend those things are true."

"I'm serious," Ava challenged.

"So am I. Saturday, seven o'clock sharp. Don't be late." In a flash, Paloma vacated the premises, leaving no room for Ava to object.

The sweet scent of barbecue sauce drifted its way into Quinn's nostrils after she dipped her chicken tender into the sauce and brought it to her watering mouth. She chewed quietly before granting the redhead across from her a small smile.

Ross returned the expression before allowing his cutlery to pierce through his tender steak, making contact with the China plate that rested beneath it, effectively producing a quiet clink among the dishes.

Although it was Saturday night, one of the rowdiest evenings of the week, both Quinn and Ross seemed to, somehow, get stuck in a silence filled impasse. The stillness between them was quiet and somewhat painful. Although they both agreed to the excursion, the girl couldn't help but wish it was Charlie that sat on the other side of the table instead, it'd definitely make things a whole lot easier.

She couldn't summon an understandable reason as to why she felt so awkward and nervous around Ross, but once the man accidentally tipped over the salt that rested on the table, she relaxed because it was then that she realized just like her, he was nervous too.

The man waved the approaching waiter away and instead ridded himself of the salt, the corners of his mouth turning up sheepishly. "I can be a bit of a klutz. Anyway, I really appreciate you coming out so we can spend some time together. I know you'd probably much rather be out with your boyfriend, so this really means a lot."

Quinn shook her head. "No need to thank me, it's not a problem at all. I mean, Charlie and I hang out like twenty-four seven. It's probably for the best that I'm around someone else for a change," she chuckled.

"So, how long have you two been together?" Ross pondered.

Quinn furrowed her brow and lightly dabbed her mouth with the cloth napkin that rested in he lap. "Oh...um—."

The man grimaced, "Sorry, I was just making conversation. Plus, I don't know, you seem to be pretty fond of him, it doesn't seem like he'll be going anywhere anytime soon," he chuckled. "Figured I might as well get to know him."

The teenager nodded, "Yeah, he's great. We've been dating for some months now."

Ross smiled, "And school? How's that goin'?"

Quinn shrugged. "It's school."

"Have you given any more thought to the whole college thing?"

"Not really," she admitted. "I mean, I get good grades and stuff, but college can be pretty pricey. I don't really know how I'd pay for it. Plus, I'll be eighteen in a couple years, so I'm gonna have to figure out what my next step is gonna be."

"Yeah, but, once you turn eighteen you'll be eligible to receive whatever it is your parents left behind for you, right? That's something."

Quinn sighed, "Well, yeah, but my parents didn't leave my sister anything. They were less than perfect to say the least." She rested her eyes on the man and shrugged her shoulders. "We both know that. Whatever I get, at least half should go to Paloma, I mean she's the one that's been taking care of me. She didn't have to take me in, but she did. I owe her, you know?"

Ross gave her a genuine smile, "Yeah."

"What about you? How's work?"

The other redhead ran his fingers along his thick, coarse beard at the sound of the query. "It's work," he mimicked with a small laugh. "Nothing special, not recently at least."

The girl granted him a courtesy smile before darting her eyes back to the plate before her.

"Ollie can't stop talking about you," came Ross' sudden declaration.

Quinn met the man's gaze, her interest officially peaked. "Really?"

"Yeah, he goes on and on about how he wants to see you again. He goes on and on about your legos and he can barely go five minutes without telling people he's finally got a big sister to play with."

The girl lifted her eyebrows at the sound of the man's words, at the sight, Ross pressed on, "I hope that's okay. We just, we wanted him to know the truth and to make him comfortable with everything. We didn't want him to be out of the loop or to lie to him—."

"It's fine," Quinn assured with a small grin. "I get it and I'm glad he likes me so much because...I really like him too. I can't wait to see him again."

Ross matched her expression before tearing into his steak with his knife. "Yeah, maybe we can work that out. And I promise, Oliver will be better, it won't be like last time," he snickered.

Quinn's eyes gradually widened, her cheeks heated and turned a dark shade of red at the memory alone. "Yeah, sorry about that, me and Charlie we...I-I-I didn't know that—," she stammered.

"No, it's fine, there's no need for you to apologize. If anything I'm the one that should be apologizing." He rested his eyes on the girl who couldn't help but fidget under his gaze. Ross inhaled softly before running a hand through his red hair. "I...honestly, I feel like I don't know what I'm doing. Like I don't know how to act around you."

He continued once the girl remained silent, "You're great, you are, I mean, your mom and dad raised a remarkable young lady and now Paloma seems to be doing an amazing job. And I really wanna get to know you and spend time with you. You know? But...I understand if you don't. I don't want you to feel obligated to—."

Quinn was slightly taken aback by the man's assertion, but she softened once she saw the sincere expression on his face. "I don't feel obligated. I wanna get to know you too, I just...I don't know what I'm doing either," she chuckled. "It's a bit weird, the whole situation but I'm fine with things being weird if it means I get to know you and your family a bit better."

Ross smiled from ear to ear. Although he planned to leave the status of their relationship in the girl's hands, even if it meant they wouldn't have one at all, he was really hoping that she'd wanted to spend time with him. While he found it difficult to contain his rising excitement, he calmed himself and summoned a response.

"That's good to hear because I want that too," he admitted.

Quinn smiled and met the man's gaze. "You know, my birthday's next week. My friends and I are gonna celebrate a day sooner, but on Saturday we're having a small little get together type thing at my house. It'll probably just be me, Paloma, and Charlie. I'd...love it if you would come. With Maggie and Ollie too. If you can make it of course, but if you have plans or—."

"No, that sounds great," Ross interrupted, a broad smile forming on his lips in the process. "We wouldn't miss it for the world. What time?"

Quinn chuckled, "Seven."

"Alright," he nodded. "We'll be there."